Georgian Dream Delegation's Official Visit to Beijing Led by Chairman Irakli Kobakhidze
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
The Georgian Dream delegation is now in Beijing for an official visit to China, and it's headed by the party's chairman, Irakli Kobakhidze.
During the visit, they met with Minister Liu Jinchao, the Head of the International Department of the Chinese ruling party, along with Deputy Minister Sun Haiyan and Vice President of the Development Research Department of the State Council, Wang Yiming.
Kobakhidze emphasized that a strategic partnership agreement has been signed, and the aim of their visit is to ensure the proper implementation of this agreement. He specifically highlighted that, both political and economic cooperation with China are crucial. According to him, this collaboration can bring very concrete tangible results for Georgia and the people of Georgia.
"During our official visit to China, we had meetings with the head of the International Department of the ruling party, Minister Liu Jinchao, and the Deputy Minister. Additionally, we held discussions with the leadership of the research center under the State Council to explore opportunities for deepening cooperation. The past year was historic in terms of strengthening relations between China and Georgia.
A strategic partnership agreement has been signed, and our aim is to ensure the proper implementation of this agreement, which is the purpose of our visit. We attach great importance to the development of relations between Georgia and China.
There are various areas where relationships can be strengthened. Our cooperation with China holds significant importance from different perspectives - political and economic. This collaboration is crucial for us, and it has the potential to yield concrete and tangible results for our country and population," Kobakhidze stated.
The Opposition is critical of Kobakhidze's visit to China. One of the opposition leaders, Khatia Dekanoidze, stated that while relations with China are important, it becomes very dangerous when the Chinese Communist Party becomes the sole international partner for the ruling party.
"We have had economic relations with China for a long time, but the first point in the recommendation of the European Commission is the alignment of foreign policy with the European Union, and China cannot be the only international partner of Georgia.
International partners should be America, EU, and NATO member states who are lobbying Georgia as a future EU member state.
Relations with China are important, but when the Chinese Communist Party becomes the only international partner for the ruling party, while Georgian Dream is kicked out of the family of European parties, it is very dangerous. Especially in the period before the opening of negotiations with the European Union," Dekanoidze stated.
